VOL. 49, NO. 21 • Friday, May 27, 2005
FALL RIVER, MASS.
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year
Hopes buoyed by current Charities Appeal returns
BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman anoints adult confirmation candidates with the oil of Chrism during ceremonies last weekend at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. The individuals received the sacrament after attending classes sponsored by the office of Adult Education. (Anchor/Gordon photo)
Candidates from three deaneries confirmed at cathedral ceremonies By
MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF
FALL RIVER - More than 70 adults were confinned by Bishop George W. Coleman during a May 15 Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral. For the confinned, their sponsors and family members, it was ajoy-
ous occasion filled with smiles and hugs, rewards for their hard work and dedication to become full members of the Church. For candidate and reader Richard Cabral of St. James Parish, New Bedford, it was a special day because the journey "helped me
BISHOP COLEMAN greets Carla Daveiga of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, New Bedford, following her confirmation at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River, May 15. At right is Daveiga's sponsor, Maria Pina. More than 70 adults received the sacrament. (Anchor/Gordon photo)
develop a closer relationship with God." The office of Adult Education offered three six-week classes in several deaneries for those adults wishing to be confirmed and many volunteers served as catechists to instruct the candidates. "I love this work of preparing adults," said Lisa Gulino, director of Adult Education. "It's a great opportunity to help them realize the presence of God in their lives and his desire for them to enter into dialogue and relationship with him. To see them receiving the Holy Spirit is a great joy and privilege." During the celebration of Mass, candidates renewed their baptismal vows before being anointed with the oil of Chrism by the bishop. Each came to the altar with their sponsor and received th"e sacrament. "This has had a big impact on my life and has been a great experience," said Louis Galante of St. John ofGod Parish, Somerset. His mother and wife were on hand to share in his special day and he said that was important for him. "This has strengthened my relationship with Christ," he declared. During his homily, Bishop Coleman encouraged them to make Christ known to others and build up God's kingdom. "Each Turn to page J3 - Confirmation
FALL RIVER - The Catholic Charities Appeal has eclipsed the two million dollar mark as it entered its fourth week, and is hopefully on its way to the most successful year in history. However, no one at Appeal headquarters is taking that for granted. "We have so much more to do to bring this to a successful conclusion, and there are signs everywhere that the workers and pastors are very conscious of that," stated Mike Donly, diocesan director of Development. "Over the years there has been an increasing awareness on the part of parish committees " and pastors, that there is a crucial need for them to continue to solicit support from their parishioners and friends even well after they may have exceeded their parish total from the previous year," he said. There are signs all across the diocese that the work of parish committees and pastors is moving along at a rapid pace. All materials have been distributed to parishes for their follow-up mailings, additional supplies are being delivered to parishes requesting them, as well as more of the Catholic Charities videos being requested by pastors for use with
their parish communities. As parishes begin to eclipse their previous year's totals there appears to be no sign of them being satisfied. The awareness of the tremendous need being addressed by their efforts appears to be a driving force for them as it has been in the past. "To be honest," stated one pastor, "for the past few years our people haven't been satisfied until they feel they have exhausted every possible avenue of solicitation for the Appeal. This has shown itself in a phonathon during the final week to remind people once again of the tremendous need there is to assist the thousands who turn to the diocese for assistance." According to Donly, "People are doing whatever they can to show their desire to help. We have always received donations from parish groups like the guilds, St. Vincent de Paul chapters, Knights of Columbus, etc., but numerous confirmation classes this year have also decided to make contributions. It's a wonderful way for the these young people to become aware of the need around them, and to also realize they are Turn to page JJ - Appeal
FATHER JAMES Ferry, pastor of Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River, leads a May crowning of the Blessed Mother with students from Espirito Santo School, families and friends.